Photos courtesy of the hotels.
Five charming locations all within driving distance of Philadelphia.
by Marilyn Odesser-Torpey and Hobart Rowland
Château Renault
72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, N.J., (609) 965-2111
Almost 150 years ago, French master vintner Louis Nicholas Renault planted his first vineyard on this South Jersey property. Today, the winery is the centerpiece of this family-friendly destination resort. The hotel was designed to reflect the winery’s Old World European roots, and it does so beautifully in both its décor and hospitality. Amenities include on-site fine dining, a pool, a spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course with gorgeous views of the vineyards. Rooms and suites starting at $199.
Hotel Fauchère
401 Broad St., Milford, Pa., (570) 409-1212
Established in 1852, this historic hotel began welcoming guests again in the summer of 2006, following a five-year restoration. Amenities include complimentary wine and locally made chocolates, and a “guests only” back porch. Decadent fare is served in the Delmonico Room. You’ll find drinks, live entertainment and eye-catching photography at Bar Louis. And don’t miss a chance to a hike the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area amidst the splendid fall foliage. Rooms and suites starting at $169.
Inn at Leola Village
38 Deborah Drive, Leola, Pa., (717) 656-7002
This boutique hotel features more than 60 thoughtfully decorated rooms and suites in settings that include an authentic former wine cellar, a gardener’s cottage and a tobacco barn. Others are furnished to capture the country warmth of Pennsylvania Dutch and Tuscan farms. Many rooms and suites have oversized whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Continental breakfast is included. Also on-site: an upscale Italian restaurant, a full-service day spa, shops, an outdoor pool and a fitness room. You’ll also find galleries and an Amish farmers market. Rooms and suites starting at $153.
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, Pa., (717) 239-1600
You can’t get any closer to the action in the hip and resurgent city of Lancaster than this impressive Marriott property adjoining the Lancaster County Convention Center. Loaded with amenities and historic charm, it even houses a preserved section of the Civil War-era Underground Railroad. Many rooms offer sweeping skyline views, and a surplus of galleries, restaurants, boutiques and historic landmarks are just a short stroll away. The hotel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with the grand opening of the new East Tower, along with the Exchange rooftop bar, and Plough, which boasts a sophisticated farm-to-table menu. The Mandarin Rose spa offers plunge pools, footbaths and a full menu of treatments. Rooms and suites starting at $142.
Virginia Hotel
25 Jackson St., Cape May, N.J., (609) 884-5700
A showpiece of impeccably restored 19th-century charm, the Virginia epitomizes cozy elegance. Each of its 24 rooms is furnished with classic pieces crafted for the hotel by New York City designer Colleen Bashaw. Beach Plum Farm bath amenities are made with ingredients fresh from the fields, and plush mattresses, Belgian sheets and Italian duvet covers complete the experience. Grab a memorable dinner at the Ebbitt Room and enjoy a bottle from its award-winning wine cellar.
Rooms starting at $88.
NOTE: Hotels are subject to local, state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Call or go online for updates.
